How to study for the Texas peace officer licensing exam
This page sets out the published rules that shape your preparation, and then lists all 44 topics in ten areas, with a guide for each one.
What the published rules mean for your plan
The pass mark is 70 percent. You get three attempts, and all three must be completed within 180 days of the date you completed the licensing course. A score stays valid for two years from the date it is entered into the commission's records. These facts come from 37 Tex. Admin. Code secs. 219.1 and 219.7, and the licensing exam page explains each one with its source.
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement does not publish the number of questions, the time allowed or a subject weighting, so any weighting you see here is our own estimate.
How the study workspace works
Each topic has a short overview, key points written in plain language, revision cards that ask one thing at a time, and scenario questions with a named officer, four options and an explanation of why each wrong answer is wrong. There are also weighted mock papers and a readiness figure against the 70 percent pass mark. It is a web app that you open in a browser, and you can add it to your home screen.
Topics by area
Read the guide for a topic first, then work through its cards and questions in the app. Four topics are free in full, and the free topics page lists them.
Legal foundations and officer authority
- Constitutional limits on police action
- Peace officer authority and jurisdiction
- Culpable mental states and criminal responsibility
- Parties, inchoate offenses and punishment ranges
Arrest and custody powers
- Arrest without a warrant
- Arrest under warrant and magistrate duties
- Investigative detention and stops
- Citation in lieu of arrest and release decisions
Search, seizure and evidence
- Search warrants and warrantless searches
- Executing a warrant and handling seized property
- The exclusionary rule and suppression
- Confessions and custodial interrogation
- Crime scene evidence and chain of custody
Force and officer safety
- Use of force and deadly force
- Defense of self, others and property
- Response to resistance and de-escalation
Offenses against the person
- Assaultive offenses
- Homicide offenses
- Kidnapping, trafficking and smuggling
- Sexual offenses
- Offenses against children, elderly and disabled persons
Property and dishonesty offenses
- Theft and theft of service
- Robbery and burglary
- Criminal mischief and trespass
- Fraud, forgery and financial crimes
- Identity theft and computer crimes
Public order, drugs and weapons
- Disorderly conduct and public order
- Controlled substances offenses
- Alcoholic beverage offenses
- Weapons offenses and prohibited places
- Offenses against public administration
Traffic and vehicle law
- Traffic stops and enforcement
- Driving while intoxicated and chemical testing
- Crash investigation and driver duties
- Vehicle documents and registration offenses
- Emergency vehicle operation and pursuits
Victims, families and vulnerable people
- Family violence response and protective orders
- Child protection and reporting duties
- Missing persons and alert systems
- Mental health crisis response
- Crime victim rights and services
Professional standards and reporting
- Racial profiling law and reporting
- Peace officer licensing and conduct standards
- Report writing and court testimony
Start studying
You can open the free topics, get access to all 44 topics for $19 a month, or try the free practice questions first.